oh i forgot to say make sure u ask for childcare assistance too since ur working part time! calworks can pay for it while ur working those 20 hrs

Great point! OP, make sure to ask about CalWORKs Childcare. Since you have a 4-year-old and you're working, you qualify for subsidized childcare. They'll cover your childcare costs during your working hours AND during any Welfare to Work activities you need to complete. Just make sure to use a licensed provider or a TrustLine registered provider if using family/friend care.

Did you get the discontinuance notice in the mail? Sometimes those notices cross in the mail with your submission. Since you submitted the SAR7 before the end of the month, they should be able to rescind the discontinuance and restore your benefits. You might not get them on your normal payment date, but you should still get December benefits eventually after they process your form. Definitely call and keep trying to reach someone. If you can't get through by phone, go in person and bring proof that you submitted the form on BenefitsCal. They can see the timestamp of when you uploaded it.

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at the office! For anyone who has this problem in the future: 1. They confirmed my SAR7 was in their system but hadn't been processed yet 2. The worker did a "rescission" right while I was on the phone 3. My December benefits will be released but will be delayed about 3-5 days from my usual payment date 4. They noted in my file that I submitted before the end of the month so my case stays open Such a relief! The worker said they're really backed up processing forms right now, so anyone who uploads anything should always call to make sure it gets processed quickly, especially if it's something time-sensitive like a SAR7.

@original poster - I'm glad you got your benefits replaced! Just a heads-up though - technically CalWORKs benefits are supposed to be used for the specified benefit period, and moving large amounts to a personal bank account could potentially be flagged in an audit. I understand completely why you did it given what happened, but just be aware that in rare cases, workers might question this practice during redetermination.For additional security, consider requesting a new EBT card with a different card number entirely. The old one might be compromised in a database somewhere.

Oh I didn't know that could be an issue. Thanks for the warning. I'll definitely request a new card altogether. Do you know if there's any way to block certain types of transactions? Like I never use my card at ATMs but that's where most thefts happen, right?

Just following up - were you able to get this resolved? One additional thought: could your worker have been referring to the CalWORKs Housing Support Program? Some of those housing assistance components have time limits that might be around 9 months, but that would be separate from your regular Cash Aid.Also, if you're being told incorrect information, remember you can file for a fair hearing. You have 90 days from any negative action to request this, and it's your right to have your case reviewed by an Administrative Law Judge who is separate from the county.

I finally got through yesterday! Turns out my worker WAS confused. She mixed up my case with someone else who was in some special refugee program that does have different time limits. She apologized and confirmed I'm still eligible and don't need to take any 3-month break. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and support!

I work with CalWORKs recipients, and this is a situation I see frequently. Here's what you need to do: 1. Contact your worker immediately and request form CW 2186A (Request for CalWORKs Exemption) 2. Schedule an appointment with your son's doctor to complete the form, explaining that he needs to document full-time care requirements 3. Submit this documentation BEFORE your WTW orientation if possible 4. If timing doesn't work out, attend the orientation but inform them you've applied for a caregiver exemption 5. Request your case be put on hold until the exemption determination is made Also, keep in mind that caring for a disabled family member can be challenging, so ask about supportive services like IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) if you haven't already applied. This program might provide payment for some of the care you provide to your adult son.

To answer your follow-up question - yes, IHSS can work alongside CalWORKs, but there are some important things to know. IHSS payments received for caring for your disabled adult son would count as income and could reduce your Cash Aid amount. However, the total between both programs is typically more than CalWORKs alone. Additionally, IHSS income may qualify you for an earned income exemption that lets you keep more of your benefits. It's worth looking into because it provides more stable long-term support, especially since CalWORKs has the 48-month lifetime limit.